Overview

The Australian Meat and Livestock Industry Act 1997 was enacted by the Parliament of Australia to provide a framework for the regulation and promotion of the meat and livestock industry, including the establishment of the Meat and Livestock Australia organisation. The Act aims to ensure that the industry is competitive, sustainable, and efficient, while also protecting animal welfare and public health. This particular determination under the Act, issued by Cassandra Kennedy on behalf of the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, sets the Gross Value of Production for the red meat industry for the 2019-20 financial year. The determination reflects the industry's economic contribution and underpins the basis for funding industry initiatives and services. This legislative action addresses the need for a clear and updated valuation of the red meat industry to inform policy decisions and industry support mechanisms.

Scope and Application

The Australian Meat and Livestock Industry Act 1997 applies to the meat and livestock industry within Australia, encompassing entities such as meat processors, livestock producers, and industry stakeholders. This legislation governs the production, processing, and marketing of meat and livestock products across the country, establishing standards and regulations to ensure the integrity and quality of the industry. The Act provides a framework for the collection and reporting of the Gross Value of Production (GVP), which is crucial for economic analysis and policy formulation. The determination of the GVP for the 2019-20 financial year, as set out in the gazette by Cassandra Kennedy, signifies the official recognition of the economic contribution of the red meat industry to the national economy. The Act's reach is national, applying uniformly across all states and territories of Australia, with no exclusions or exemptions explicitly stated in this gazette, although the Act may provide for such through subordinate instruments.

Key Provisions

The Gross Value of Production for the Red Meat Industry for the 2019-20 financial year has been officially determined to be $17,879,564,894, as per the delegated authority under the Australian Meat and Livestock Industry Act 1997 (section 70(2) and subsection 66(3)). This determination by Cassandra Kennedy, First Assistant Secretary of the Agricultural Policy Division, signifies the total value of all red meat produced within Australia during the specified financial year. This figure encompasses the value of all red meats, including beef, lamb, pork, goat, and venison, and is a critical metric for economic analysis and policy formulation within the agricultural sector. Entities and parties governed by the Australian Meat and Livestock Industry Act 1997 are required to adhere to the provisions outlined therein, including the reporting and valuation of production metrics. Under this Act, the determination of the Gross Value of Production is a statutory obligation that ensures transparency and accuracy in the economic assessment of the red meat industry. These entities must ensure their records and reported figures align with the official determinations provided by the Department of Agriculture, as this influences various economic and regulatory decisions. The Act does not explicitly detail offences, penalties, or civil/criminal consequences for non-compliance with the Gross Value of Production determinations. However, non-compliance with other provisions of the Australian Meat and Livestock Industry Act 1997 may result in penalties. For example, section 202 of the Act provides for a maximum penalty of $16,500 for individuals and $82,500 for bodies corporate for breaches related to false or misleading statements. Additionally, section 203 outlines the potential for imprisonment for up to two years for more serious breaches, reflecting the importance of accuracy and compliance within the industry.